Star Chamber

PRONUNCIATION:

(star CHAYM-buhr)

MEANING:

noun:
A court or group marked by arbitrary, oppressive, and secretive
procedures.

ETYMOLOGY:

After the Star Chamber in the Palace of Westminster in London. It was the
site of a closed-door court appointed by King Henry VII of England in the
15th century. Notorious for its abuse of power -- rulings made in secret,
no appeal -- it was abolished by the Long Parliament in 1641. The chamber
was so named because its ceiling was decorated with stars.

USAGE:

"'This is the most incredible Star Chamber proceeding, the most incredible
lack of due process I've ever heard of,' Mitchelson said. 'I'm the alleged
perpetrator, and I was not even invited.'"
Edward J. Boyer; Mitchelson Angry, Vows to Block Aid for Two Women;
The Los Angeles Times; Jan 25, 1989.

All humanity is one undivided and indivisible family, and each one of us is responsible for the misdeeds of all the others. I cannot detach myself from the wickedest soul. -Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948)